Watercolor Bleed Technique
by Beth Rush
Learn a watercolor technique for spreading and mixing colors from one image to another.

Supplies

- Watercolor paper (Fluid 100 140 lb Cold Press used here)
- Water-based ink or watercolor medium (Stampin’ Up!® Magenta Madness and Gorgeous Grape ink used here)
- Paintbrush and water (SU Aqua Painter used here)
- Pencil or watercolor pencil (SU watercolor pencil in Flirty Flamingo used here)
- Die cut shapes to trace (SU Be Mine Stitched dies used here)
- Other supplies as needed to complete the project (SU products used here: Magenta Madness and Basic Black Cardstock, Artistry Blooms Designer Series Paper, Magenta Madness Ribbon, Ridiculously Awesome Stamp Set)
Step-by-Step
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Step 1
Trace the die cut shapes, not overlapping but touching at the edges.
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Step 2
Fill in the first shape with water only.
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Step 3
Fill in the shape with color.
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Step 4
Fill in the second shape with water only, starting from the side furthest from the first shape. Finish filling in and at the end, tap the edge where the shapes touch with the wet brush so that the ink from the first shape starts to bleed into the second shape.
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TIP:
You can tilt your paper to help the color bleed if you need to. -
Step 5
Fill in the rest of the second shape with the next color, be sure not to touch the bleed area.
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Step 6
Repeat the steps to fill in the remaining shapes.
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Step 7
Variation: instead of multiple shapes, try the technique by creating sections within a single shape.
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Step 8
Use the panels to complete cards or other projects.
Video!
Your Turn
You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Watercolor Bleed Technique. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!
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Questions and Comments
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